Vermont Agency of Transportation First Annual Safe Routes to School Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Training

CHL announces the first annual Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Training event on September 11 in Randolph and the publication of the new WalkSmart / BikeSmart Vermont! curriculum developed under a grant from the Agency of Transportation Safe Routes to School program. This curriculum contains essential concepts and skills related to Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety delivered through interactive activities. It aims to increase the number of children who have the skills to walk and bike safely, prevent injuries and deaths, and promote healthy habits that benefit children for a lifetime. The goal is to have one pedestrian safety lesson taught K-2 in the fall and one bicycle safety lesson taught in the spring in grades 2-6. CHL is working with Physical Educators, other school staff and community members to develop a statewide cadre of local and regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Eductors who will implement the curriculum in schools participating in the Safe Routes to School Program and in other interested schools throughout Vermont.

Trainer: JoEllen Tarallo Falk

In addition to the curriculum and training, a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Resources page on the CHL website provides links to other state and national resources for bicycle and pedestrian safety. A 2008 Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Calendar Coloring contest is being rolled out to elementary schools in late September.